 | [Poems by Howells in] Poems of two friends |  |
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“SIR PHILIP SYDNEY.”
A PET DOVE, WHICH FELL A PREY UNTO THE RAVENING CAT.
(For his Mistress.)
IN MEMORIAM.
Erst mirror of the stateliest chivalry,And not misnamed for that most gentle knight,
In whom sweet love made shining deeds more bright,
And gracious even the fault of vanity—
Thee in the groves of heaven flying free,
Flashing thy silver wings in that rare light,
Whereof to think doth hurt our mortal sight—
Thee, glorified through death; I weep not thee!
But rather deem, thou stooping from on high,
Hauntest my heart, the spirit of a dove,—
Oh! guard it with a loving jealousy,
That none but gentle thoughts therein may move,
Ah! nestle there, and keep me ever nigh—
Thou beauteous word of God for Peace and Love!
| [Poems by Howells in] Poems of two friends | |